Howell out to redeem

Posted: Wednesday, April 09, 2008

AUGUSTA - Charles Howell III doesn't like to buckle when the pressure mounts.

Especially not in front of his home crowd. But his hometown just happens to be Augusta, home of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, which he considers to be one of the most difficult courses and golf tournaments.

As Howell prepares for his seventh Masters, he's determined to not let the stress affect him.

"The city of Augusta has been great to me," he said. "Growing up here, I would like to play good for everyone once."

Howell made his first Masters appearance in 2002 and tied for 29th with a 291 total. His best finish was in 2004, when he tied for 13th with a 288. In 2005 and 2006, the Augusta native didn't make the cut. Last year, he tied for 30th.

Howell hasn't made many adjustments to his game, but he changed equipment nearly four months ago.

Howell moved to Bridgestone after using Callaway gear for seven years.

"It's been a good change for me," he said. "I'm in the beginning stages of the equipment, so I'm still learning it. I'm really thrilled."

The new equipment has aided his game, especially around the greens, he said.

Howell practiced for the first time this week Tuesday at Augusta National. After tying for 47th at the Shell Houston Open this past weekend, he kept it light Monday, just chipping and putting. He waited until Tuesday afternoon to tee off. He played 18 holes.

Howell said his game is not where he wants it to be over the past few weeks, but believes it has been improving.

"It's a funny game. Just a shot or two here can get you going," he said. "This is a golf course that does ask a lot of your short game, so I spent a bit of time on that. I'll do a little bit of that (Wednesday), too."

As Howell walked off the 18th hole Tuesday evening, his former high school golf coach, Russell Murray, greeted him.

"I'm lucky for (the support)," Howell said. "Unfortunately, it's one of the hardest golf courses we play all year and the place where it's hardest to get tickets. It's tough to get everybody passes. But it's great to be here.

"The goal ultimately is to make this feel like any other golf tournament in the world," he said. "It's hard to do that, but it's the goal we're trying to do."